Postgame Reaction: FGCU defeats Florida Tech, 77-58

(via Captive Photons)

Florida Gulf Coast was finally able to put away the pesky Panthers of Florida Tech, but that's not the real story from Wednesday night.

After the starters (Comer, Thompson, Jones, Morant, and Hicks) were on the floor for three minutes, Joe Dooley had seen enough and promptly subbed in five new players. They didn't see any time for the rest of the 1st half and didn't check back in until 16:31 left in the 2nd half.

We don't know if Dooley was simply trying to rest the starters, especially Comer and Thompson, against a D-II who they should have easily handled. Or if he was sending a message to step up the hustle and intensity.

Regardless, the "twos", as the announcers put it, showed some promise. And good thing, because they will be the main group of players running the show next season for Dunk City. Let's get into some of my post-game thoughts.

• Christian Terrell is going to be a superstar for years to come in Fort Myers. The freshman guard finished with 22 points and 3 rebounds. His confidence impressed me most of all. After air-balling a three point attempt in the 1st half, he confidently knocked one down from long range just a few possessions later.

• The Eagles answered the call. After sitting on the bench for about 20 minutes, the starters proved to be efficient in the 2nd half and went on a 21-8 run to put the game out of reach for Florida Tech.

• Marc-Eddy Norelia has added the mid-range jumper to his multifaceted game. We've heard about him working hard in the gym all off season to improve his jumper, and it's great to see it paying off. This adds another dimension to the Eagles' offense.

• FGCU needs to be dominate from the whistle and put teams like this, and Nova Southeastern, away early. Because in other situations, their talent alone won't be enough to pull out a win.

And a few from our writers.

An observation that I have after 8 games is that Jamail Jones is a tremendous passer. He's got great court vision.
— Cameron J. Kaiser (@CKaiser_FGCUNDN) December 4, 2014

I take stock in the programs freshmen come from in college athletics. Christian Terrell played high-level comp at Providence HS, it shows.
— Bryan Cooney (@Coondog16) December 4, 2014

The reserves are playing well, but you can tell they lack the gel that makes the core group so good.
— Cameron J. Kaiser (@CKaiser_FGCUNDN) December 4, 2014